St Patrick's College offers a broad and inclusive curriculum across four distinct programmes, catering for every student from First Year through to Sixth Year.
Years1–3
Junior Cycle
A three-year programme designed to develop the key skills, knowledge and values that form the foundation of every student's education at St Patrick's College.
The Junior Cycle at St Patrick's College runs from First Year to Third Year. It is guided by the Junior Cycle Framework developed by the NCCA, which places student wellbeing, creativity, and key skills alongside academic achievement. All students work towards the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA), a broad record of learning that goes well beyond any single exam result.
Written Exams
State examinations in core and optional subjects, held at the end of Third Year and marked by the SEC.
Classroom-Based Assessments
CBAs take place during Second and Third Year and are assessed by the subject teacher as part of ongoing learning.
Achievement Profile (JCPA)
Each student receives a JCPA — a personalised record of all learning, including short courses and school-based awards.
Core Subjects Examined
📖 English
🇮🇪 Irish
📐 Mathematics
🕰️ History
🌍 Geography
🔬 Science
🇫🇷 French
All students study these seven subjects throughout Junior Cycle.
Optional Subjects Examined
⚙️ Applied Technology
🎨 Art
🎵 Music
📏 Technical Graphics
💼 Business Studies
🏠 Home Economics
Students sample all optional subjects during a 12-week taster programme at the start of First Year, after which they select three to study through to Junior Cycle examination.
Other Subjects Non-examined
✝️ Religious Education
Religious Education is a core part of student life at St Patrick's and is not subject to external examination.
Wellbeing Programme Non-examined
💚 SPHE
🗳️ CSPE
💻 Digital Learning
🏃 Physical Education
The Wellbeing Programme is an integral part of Junior Cycle, supporting students' personal, social, and civic development.
Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA): At the end of Third Year, every student receives a JCPA — a comprehensive record recognising achievement across all subjects, Classroom-Based Assessments, and other learning experiences during Junior Cycle. The JCPA replaces the traditional Junior Certificate as the formal record of achievement.
Year4
Transition Year
A unique bridge between Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate, offering students the opportunity to broaden their experience, develop independence, and explore new interests.
Transition Year at St Patrick's College is a one-year programme between Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. TY is a compulsory programme in St Patrick's College. It gives students the space to mature, explore new interests, develop life skills, and take on real-world experiences — all while continuing their core academic studies. TY is a rewarding and highly formative year that prepares students fully for the demands of Leaving Certificate. After TY, students can choose to continue their Senior Cycle studies through the Leaving Certificate or the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme.
Core Subjects Examined
📖 English
🇮🇪 Irish
📐 Mathematics
✝️ Religious Education Non-exam
English, Irish, and Mathematics are examined subjects in TY. Religious Education is studied throughout the year but is not externally examined.
Taster Subjects Rotational
Students rotate through a broad range of subject areas during Transition Year, gaining valuable exposure to Leaving Certificate subjects before making their Senior Cycle choices.
Business Subjects
Business, Economics, Accounting
Humanities
History, Geography
Science Subjects
Biology, Chemistry
Technology
Technology
Life Skills
Home Economics
Languages
French
Arts
Music, Art
Wellbeing Programme Non-examined
💚 SPHE
🏃 Physical Education
TY Modules
TY students take part in a range of specially designed modules that develop practical skills, creativity, and civic awareness.
🏭 Mini-Company
🈵 Chinese
🈶 Japanese
🤖 Robotics
🗂️ ePortfolio
💻 ICT
💡 Young Social Innovators
🩹 First Aid
🌿 Sustainability
🎬 Film Studies
Real-World Experiences
Work Experience
Students undertake two weeks of work experience, gaining practical insight into the world of work and exploring potential career paths.
Community Involvement
One week is dedicated to community involvement, encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to their local community.
Charity Fundraising
TY students organise and participate in charity fundraising activities, developing leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility.
Years5–6
Leaving Certificate
A rigorous two-year programme preparing students for higher and further education, apprenticeships, and the workplace.
The Leaving Certificate at St Patrick's College is a two-year programme from Fifth to Sixth Year. It prepares students for higher and further education, apprenticeships, and entry to the workforce. Students study a broad range of subjects and sit state examinations at the end of Sixth Year, with results contributing to CAO points for third-level entry.
Core Subjects Examined
📖 English
🇮🇪 Irish
📐 Mathematics
✝️ Religious Education Non-exam
English, Irish, and Mathematics are compulsory examined subjects. Religious Education is studied throughout Senior Cycle but is not externally examined.
Optional Subjects Examined
🔬 Biology
⚗️ Chemistry
💼 Business
📈 Economics
🧾 Accounting
🏠 Home Economics
🌍 Geography
🕰️ History
⚙️ Applied Technology
🎵 Music
Students choose four optional subjects at the end of Transition Year. Subject availability is dependent on demand.
Wellbeing Programme Non-examined
💚 SPHE
🏃 Physical Education
🎯 Career Guidance
The Wellbeing Programme supports students' personal development and future planning throughout Senior Cycle.
Years5–6
Leaving Certificate Applied
A student-centred, practically oriented programme for students who wish to pursue a more applied and vocational pathway through Senior Cycle.
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a recognised alternative to the Leaving Certificate, designed for students who benefit from a more practical, skills-based approach to Senior Cycle education. LCA focuses on continuous assessment, practical tasks, and a smaller number of written exams. Students who complete the programme receive a nationally recognised qualification and can progress to further education and training through QQI and other pathways.
Continuous Assessment
Students are assessed on an ongoing basis through tasks, projects, and practical activities completed throughout the programme.
Practical Tasks
Hands-on practical work is central to LCA, allowing students to demonstrate skills and knowledge in real-world contexts.
Written Examinations
A smaller number of written exams supplement the assessment process, taken at the end of the two-year programme.
Foundation Subjects Core
📖 English & Communications
📐 Mathematical Applications
🤝 Social Education
🗺️ Vocational Preparation & Guidance
✝️ Religious Education
📋 Tutorial
All LCA students study these subjects as the core foundation of their programme.
Vocational & Practical Subjects Assessed
👶 Child Care
🍽️ Hotel Catering & Tourism
🎨 Visual Arts
🔬 Science
🏃 Active Leisure Studies
💻 ICT
These subjects are assessed through a combination of practical tasks and continuous assessment activities.
Wellbeing & Guidance Non-examined
💚 Social Health
🎯 Careers / RSE
LCA Award: Students who successfully complete the Leaving Certificate Applied receive a results sheet indicating their level of achievement across all areas of the programme. LCA graduates are eligible to progress to Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses and other further education and training pathways through QQI.
